Daniel Lucas, the Director of Publications for the USCF as
well as the editor of Chess Life
magazine, is running the 2014 TCS New York City Marathon this November 2.

He is
using the race, which typically raises tens of millions each year for various
charities and non-profits, to try and raise $3,750 for U.S. Chess Federation
scholastic programs.
Why $3,750? Lucas says, "Because in September I turn 50
years old. This same month the USCF celebrates its 75th birthday. 50 x 75 =
$3,750. The USCF has been very important to me throughout my life so using
these 'magic numbers' as a way to give back to the organization satisfies my
sense of symmetry."

The Editor Answers
Your Fundraiser FAQs

Have you run a
marathon before?

Yes. Three times in the last five years.

Have you ever won one
of these 26.2 mile behemoths?

I have as much chance of winning a marathon as I do of using
1. a4 to beat Magnus Carlsen. I'm simply running against myself, trying to
improve my own personal best time, and trying to raise awareness of the USCF
along the way.

Does running help your
chess?

One of the ways I keep myself focused during long training
runs is by picking a puzzle, typically one from Soltis' "Chess to Enjoy" column,
and trying to work it out while completing my workout.

How often do you
successfully solve puzzles this way?

Hasn't happened yet.

What scholastic
programs will benefit from the money raised?

The Executive Director will ultimately decide precisely
where the money will go based on how much is donated. Certainly, we will offset
some of the costs associated with sending our World Youth team to Durban, South
Africa. But all money raised (minus the nominal crowdrise.com fees) will
directly benefit USCF scholastics.

The ALS Association
recently had a great deal of success with their "Ice Bucket Challenge." Can I
dump a bucket of ice water on my head as long as I also donate at
crowdrise.com/uschessfederation?

Knock yourself out! Remember, all donations are fully
tax-deductible due to the USCF's 501(c)(3) status.